US10024310B2 - Modular pump design - Google Patents

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Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
  • F04B9/02—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
  • F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
  • F04B53/006—Crankshafts
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T29/00—Metal working
  • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
  • Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
  • Y10T29/49236—Fluid pump or compressor making
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
  • Y10T74/19—Gearing
  • Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
  • Y10T74/19—Gearing
  • Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
  • Y10T74/19647—Parallel axes or shafts
  • Y10T74/19651—External type
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
  • Y10T74/19—Gearing
  • Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
  • Y10T74/19698—Spiral
  • Y10T74/19828—Worm

Definitions

• Reciprocating pumps are used extensively throughout the oil and gas industry. These types of pumps are commonly used as mud pumps and fracturing pumps. These pumps are capable of delivering fluids and other various media to the application process at various flow rates and pressures.
• Reciprocating pumps come in a variety of sizes and configurations.
• reciprocating pumps may be configured in triplex, quadruplex, and quintuplex configurations.
• the power output of the pumps can range from 300 horsepower to in excess of 2500 horsepower.
• the specific configuration of the pumps is often designed to suit the particular application requirements.
• Reciprocating pumps are typically manufactured to order and, as a result, may take several months to manufacture and deliver.
• Reciprocating pumps are generally constructed with left-hand or right-hand drive mechanisms with the casing being specific to each application. This impacts the type of drive which can be employed in the pump. For example, worm drive pumps have their driveline at 90 degrees to the axial crank orientation and pinion drive pumps and planetary gears installations have their drivelines parallel to the axial crank orientation. Consequently, pumps are generally constructed to a specification, specific for the application, making the construction process severely restricted by configuration requirements.
• the present invention relates to a modular pump design. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular pump design comprising universal components and associated methods.
• the present invention provides a modular pump comprising a universal gearbox and a crank unit, wherein the crank unit is attached to the universal gearbox.
• the present invention provides a universal gearbox for use in a reciprocating pump.
• the present invention provides a method of assembling a reciprocating pump comprising: providing a universal gearbox; providing one or more crank units; and attaching the one or more crank units to the universal gearbox.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrations of universal gearboxes in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrations of crank units in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrations of how reciprocating pumps in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be assembled.
• FIGS. 7-14 are illustrations of reciprocating pumps in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the present invention relates to a modular pump design. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular pump design comprising universal components and associated methods.
• modular pumps and methods disclosed herein there may be several potential advantages of the modular pumps and methods disclosed herein.
• One of the many potential advantages of the modular pumps and methods disclosed herein is that they may allow for a streamlined pump construction process.
• Another potential advantage of the modular pumps and methods disclosed herein is that they may provide a pump design which is adaptable to client requirements without the need for significant customization.
• Another potential advantage of the modular pumps and methods disclosed herein is that they may provide for multiple final pump constructions that can be achieved with fewer parts and assemblies without relying upon a specific component manufacture.
• Another potential advantage of the modular pumps and method disclosed herein is that the may provide a pump design that is easier to maintain. It is feasible that a universal component of the modular pump design discussed herein could be sent to a jobsite for the replacement of a damaged unit, for example, a crank unit could replaced completely with a new replacement unit at the jobsite by suitably qualified personal.
• the present disclosure provides a modular pump comprising a gearbox and a crank unit.
• the modular pumps discussed herein may have any range of horsepower. In certain embodiments, the pumps discussed herein may be 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 horsepower pumps.
• the gearbox may be a universal gearbox.
• gearboxes include worm/wheel gear drives, pinion drives, and planetary drive gear systems.
• An example of a pinion drive gear box is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
• An example of a worm gear drive box is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
• FIG. 1 illustrates a pinion drive gear box 100 .
• pinion drive gear box 100 may comprise a housing 110 , an opposed helical gear 120 , a universal adapter hub 130 , and one or more mounting surfaces 140 .
• Each of the components of pinion drive gear box 100 may be constructed out of any suitable material to withstand pressures of up to 20,000 psi and temperatures up to 400° F.
• the components of pinion drive gear box 100 may be constructed out of AISI 4140 steel, AISI 4330 steel, or derivatives thereof.
• the opposed helical gear 120 may be a herringbone gear.
• the universal adapter hub 130 comprises a splined internal detail.
• the universal adapter hub 130 may be suitable for both pinion and worm drives.
• opposed helical gear 120 may be mechanically connected to universal adapter hub 130 such that when rotational energy is applied to helical gear 120 , that rotational energy is transmitted to universal adapter hub 130 which then rotates inside the pinion drive gear box 100 . Once rotating, universal adapter hub 130 may then provide drive to one or more crank units through its splined internal detail.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a worm drive gear box 200 .
• worm drive gear box 200 may comprise a housing 210 , a worm style gear 220 , a universal adapter hub 230 , and one or more mounting surfaces 240 .
• Each of the components of worm drive gear box 200 may be constructed out of any suitable material to withstand pressures of up to 20,000 psi and temperatures up to 400° F.
• the components of worm drive gear box 200 may be constructed out of AISI 4140 steel, AISI 4330 steel, or derivatives thereof.
• the universal adapter hub 230 comprises a splined internal detail.
• the universal adapter hub 230 may be suitable for both pinion and worm drives.
• worm style gear 220 may be mechanically connected to universal adapter hub 230 such that when rotational energy is applied to worm style gear 220 , that rotational energy is transmitted to universal adapter hub 230 which then rotates inside the worm drive gear box 200 . Once rotating, universal adapter hub 230 may then provide drive to one or more crank units through its splined internal detail.
• the gearboxes discussed in the present disclosure may be universal in that one or more crank units may be attached to either side of the gearboxes without any modification of the gearbox.
• one crank unit may be attached to one side of the gear box and a cover may be attached to the other side of the gear box.
• the connection may be made via a central splined hub unit to drive the cranks, with the main crank fabricated housing attaching directly to the gearbox housing.
• the crank unit may comprise any number of throws.
• the crank unit may be a three throw crank (triplex) or a five throw crank (quintuplex).
• the arrangement may be a two+three throw crank arrangement with each crank being on either side of the gearbox.
• An example of a two throw crank unit is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
• An example of a three throw crank unit is illustrated in FIG. 4 .
• FIG. 3 illustrates a two throw crank unit 300 .
• the two throw crank unit 300 may comprise a housing body 310 , fluid ends 320 , and a central splined hub unit 330 .
• FIG. 4 illustrates a three throw crank unit 400 .
• the three throw crank unit 400 may comprise a housing body 410 , fluid ends 420 , and a central splined hub unit 430 .
• Each of the components of two throw crank unit 300 and three throw crank unit 400 may be constructed out of any suitable material to withstand pressures of up to 20,000 psi and temperatures up to 400° F.
• the components of two throw crank unit 300 and three throw crank unit 400 may be constructed out of AISI 4140 steel, AISI 4330 steel, or derivatives thereof.
• each crank unit may be made up of a housing and locating bearings (not illustrated), to which the crank may be assembled.
• the crank itself can have varying throw distance. In some embodiments, the throw distance may range from 6 to 12 inches.
• Each crank throw may be attached to a connecting rod/piston arrangement which is ultimately used in the pumping process via the fluid end units.
• the radial throw separation may be 120 degrees. In other embodiments, for example in a quintuplex configuration, the radial throw separation may be 72 degrees. However, in either case, the essence of the crank manufacture may be the same. By manufacturing 2 (72 or 120 degree) crank units, it is possible to utilize the same housing bearing construction elements. Making the housing a universal arrangement may result in a universal pump (albeit the pump can be configured as a left or right hand drive).
• crank unit may be simply bolted to the gearbox either on the left or the right side of the gearbox.
• a quintuplex pump can be configured as left or right configuration with the 2 throw crank mounted to the opposite side of the gearbox relative to the 3 throw crank. Internal features to the crank ensure absolute crank timing.
• quadruplex pump could be constructed using 2+2 throw crank units (the cranks being manufactured for 90 degree separation). Possibly more extreme would be a Hexaplex Pump utilizing a 3+3 configuration, subject to drive, flow rate and pressure requirements.
• the separation of the gearbox also allows adaptability of the drive system to include planetary gear units (which may be limited to triplex configuration), or other means of propulsion, e.g. hydraulic motor. Consequently the customizability of the configurations is not limited to triplex or quintuplex configurations, but using the design principles multiple configurations are possible utilizing a few key elements.
• the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a reciprocating pump comprising: providing a universal gearbox; providing one or more crank units; and attaching the one or more crank units to the universal gearbox.
• the one or more crank units may be attached to either side of the universal gearbox or both sides.
• FIGS. 5 and 6 depict how in certain embodiments, the reciprocating pumps of the present disclosure may be assembled.
• two throw crank unit 510 may be slid into worm drive gear box 500 in a manner such that the central splined hub unit 515 of two throw crank unit 510 rests inside universal adapter hub 505 of worm drive gear box 500 .
• three throw crank unit 520 may be slid into worm drive gear box 500 in a manner such that the central splined hub unit 525 of three throw crank unit 520 rests inside universal adapter hub 505 of worm drive gear box 500 .
• two throw crank unit 510 and three throw crank unit 520 may then be bolted onto worm drive gear box 500 .
• two throw crank unit 610 may be slid into pinion drive gear box 600 in a manner such that the central splined hub unit 615 of two throw crank unit 610 rests inside universal adapter hub 605 of pinion drive gear box 600 .
• three throw crank unit 620 may be slid into pinion drive gear box 600 in a manner such that the central splined hub unit 625 of three throw crank unit 620 rests inside universal adapter hub 605 of pinion drive gear box 600 .
• two throw crank unit 610 and three throw crank unit 620 may then be bolted onto pinion drive gear box 800 .
• FIGS. 7-14 illustrate various possible configurations of gearboxes and crank units in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate quintuplex pump designs with worm drives in accordance to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate quintuplex pump designs with pinion drives in accordance to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate triplex pump designs with pinion drives in accordance to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate triplex pump designs with worm drives in accordance to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
• Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

Description

Claims (14)

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=47066863

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (3)

Families Citing this family (29)

Citations (54)

Family Cites Families (3)

• 2012
  • 2012-01-03 US US13/342,657 patent/US10024310B2/en active Active
  • 2012-04-06 AU AU2012250180A patent/AU2012250180A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-04-06 EP EP12776777.0A patent/EP2702297B1/en active Active
  • 2012-04-06 CN CN201280020861.5A patent/CN103732920A/en active Pending
  • 2012-04-06 CA CA2833933A patent/CA2833933C/en active Active
  • 2012-04-06 WO PCT/US2012/032506 patent/WO2012148649A2/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (54)

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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